Peppers not an obvious fit for Bears

February 16, 2009|By Vaughn McClure

Four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers said he will request a trade if the Carolina Panthers slap the $16.7 million franchise tag on him. Sound good, Bears fans? Not so fast. Money isn't the biggest issue. Peppers has expressed a desire to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. The Bears have shown no signs of dumping the 4-3. That is not to say the Bears -- 29th in the league in sacks per pass attempt -- wouldn't pull the trigger on a trade for a Pro Bowl defensive end. They landed Adewale Ogunleye from Miami in 2004. And while there is no obvious reason to pursue a player who doesn't fit in your scheme, Peppers makes any defense better.